I have talked to many board members over the years and I get a sense that they don't believe we will have a condominium collapse here in the Pacific Northwest. In our area we do have conditions similar to Florida. We have buildings from the 50's and 60's that were built on the waterfront. The [...]
Insurance is a crucial component of condominium living in Washington State. However, in recent years, the cost of insurance for condo associations has surged dramatically, becoming a significant budgetary concern. This trend mirrors a broader industry shift known as a "hard market," characterized by reduced insurance availability, higher premiums, and more stringent underwriting standards. While [...]
Rising Association Fees: A Growing Concern for Washington State Condominium Owners Condominium owners in Washington State, like their counterparts in Florida, are grappling with the increasing burden of rising association fees. As buildings age, the costs associated with maintaining common areas, elevators, roofs, and other shared amenities inevitably soar. This trend is exacerbated by unexpected [...]
How the 2024 CAI Reserve Study Standards Impact Washington State Associations The Community Associations Institute (CAI) recently updated its reserve study standards in 2024. While these updates primarily affect national standards, they have significant implications for Washington State condominium associations, particularly in terms of the scope, duration, and funding of reserve studies. Key Changes and [...]
As a board member of a Washington State condominium and homeowner association (COA - HOA ), you're likely facing a challenging insurance market. The state's unique geographical features, combined with the increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters, have contributed to a hardening insurance market. This means higher premiums, reduced coverage options, and potential non-renewals. [...]
Why Smoke Alarms Matter Smoke alarms are essential life-safety devices that can alert residents to a fire and provide precious time to escape. Did you know that over 1,464 people died in house/ condominium fires in 2023? The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) studies consistently show that working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying [...]
The Pacific Northwest is known for its stunning landscapes, but it also faces a variety of natural hazards. To ensure the safety and well-being of residents, community associations must be prepared for potential disasters. Our area has a history of experiencing: Winter storms: Heavy snowfall, freezing rain, and strong winds can disrupt daily life and [...]
Detention Ponds vs. Retention Ponds: What's the difference in Washington State. In Washington State developers are being required to put in storm water management systems. The intent is to minimize the impact on the storm water drainage system while trying to return the rainfall to the qualifiers. The terms "detention pond" and "retention pond" are [...]
For the past 6 years we have seen greater price inflation than the past 40 years. More important for associations the cost of major projects such as paint and roofing have grown 10% to 40% outpacing inflation significantly. Previously many associations were limited in what they could increase dues by their CC&Rs. However since 2018 [...]
Protect Your Pavement Condominium (COAs) and homeowner associations (HOAs) are responsible for maintaining a variety of shared spaces, and the roads within their communities are no exception. Cracks, potholes, and a faded surface can not only be unsightly but also pose safety hazards. While complete asphalt replacement can be expensive and disruptive, slurry seal offers [...]